The “Bookman's ” Review

Northern Advocate, 16 April 1938, Page 12

The “Bookman's ” Review

The first half of the book concerns prison life, cruelty, punishment and brutal lack of understanding of .the excessive nature of the tortures inflicted by authorities. The remainder has mainly to do with Australian adventure—squatting, mining and dealings with desperadoes. [j{] [gj (gi “Have you got the things, the jacket, collar, etc?" “I know where to find them.” said Evans, with a sly look. “Bring them to me directly to this empty coll.” “Well, sir,” higgled Evans, “of course 1 don’t like to refuse your reverence.” “Then don’t refuse me,” retorted the other, sharp as a needle. Evans went off directly and soon returned with the materials. The chaplain examined them awhile: he then took off his coat. “Operate on me, .Evans.” “Operate on you, sir?” “Yes! There, don’t stand staring, my good man, hold up the waistcoast — now strap'it tight—tighter—no nonsense—Robinson was strapped tighter than that yesterday. I want to know what we are doing to our fellowcreatures in this place. The collar now.” “But, sir, the collar will nip you. .1 tell you that beforehand.” “Not more than it nips my prisoners, Now strap me to the wall. Why do you hesitate?”

Evans had not been gone ten minutes before he bitterly repented letting him go; and when that worthy returned he found him muttering faintly: “It is in a good cause—it is in a good cause.” Evans wore a grin. “You shall pay for that grin.” said the chaplain to himself. “Well, sir, have you had enough of it?” “Yes, Evans: you may loose me,” said the other with affected nonchalence. “What is it like, sir? Haw. haw!” “It is as you described it, oncomfortable; but the knowledge I have gained in it is invaluable. You shall share it.” “With all my heart, sir: you can tell me what it is like.” “Oil. no! such knowledge can never be imparted by description; you shall ta*ke your turn in the jacket.” . “Not if 1 know it.” “What, not for the sake of knowledge!” “Oh, I can guess what it is like.” “But you will oblige me?” “Some other way, sir, if you please.” “Besides, I will give you a guinea.” A Guinea’s Worth. “Oh. that alters the case, sir. But only for half an hour.” “Only for half an hour.” Evans was triced up and pinned to the wall; the chaplain took out a guinea and placed it in his sight and walked out.